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Ray Allen News & Rumors

For Ray Allen, it's not to be in return
January 30
Boston Herald
 
"Ray Allen was inches away from a perfectly written return to the Celtics lineup. His play was largely impeccable in the Garden's theater in the round. But as Shakespeare surely would have put it, all's not well that ends poorly. And the Bard didn't have NBA League Pass — or cable even. So there was Allen, who had spent the week rehabbing a jammed left ankle and watching the birth of his fourth son, reciting his lines almost to perfection on the parquet boards. Nine of his first 12 shots found the strings, with four of the makes coming from beyond the 3-point arc. But last evening was to be a tragedy for the Celtics. They went scoreless in the last 4:25, surrendering an 11-point lead and"
Allen looks to tomorrow
January 28
Boston Herald
 
"The Celtics were admittedly a little sleep deprived when, on the heels of Thursday's win in Orlando, they returned to the Garden last night for another game against Indiana. But Ray Allen guaranteed last night that they were fresh, at least compared to him. The Celtics guard, who missed his third straight game because of a jammed left ankle, was on hand when his wife Shannon gave birth to their fourth son, Wystan, on Wednesday afternoon. "I watched the game," he said last night. "There wasn't a peep (from the baby), but (the Celtics) got more sleep than me. I was thinking that. When I finished watching the game, I knew that." The Allens now have four sons named, in order of age, Walter Ray"
Rondo, Allen out vs. Magic
January 26
Boston Globe
 
"Rajon Rondo (right wrist) will not play tonight vs. the Magic, and Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Avery Bradley will likely take his place in the starting lineup. Ray Allen (left ankle) did not make the trip, but Rivers said he could play tomorrow at home vs. Indiana. Mickael Pietrus (shoulder) is expected to start in place of Allen tonight, and Keyon Dooling (right knee) and Chris WIlcox (left calf) are also expected to return for the Celtics. Jermaine O'Neal (left knee) is doubtful, though he could return tomorrow night against the Pacers as well."
Celtics severely shorthanded vs. Magic
January 23
Boston Globe
 
"Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Keyon Dooling, Chris Wilcox, and now Mickael Pietrus will all miss tonight's game due to injury. Your Celtics starters tonight are Avery Bradley, Sasha Pavlovic, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jermaine O'Neal. "Sasha will start just because we want to have more shooting on the floor early," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Rivers said Pietrus was due for an MRI on his shoulder after not being able to lift his arm over his head last night. That mean's he's probably out for a while. Rivers said Rondo and Dooling could return Thurs. in Orlando. The others aren't close."
Ray Allen nursing an ankle injury
January 23
Boston Globe
 
"The good news for the Celtics after yesterday's 100-94 win over the Wizards was that Ray Allen sported an immaculately shined wingtip shoe on his left foot instead of a walking boot. Allen left in the second quarter with what the team termed a "jammed'' left ankle, and X-rays were negative. Allen said he will try to play tonight against the Magic at TD Garden, but his status is uncertain."
Celtics' Big Three in jeopardy?
January 19
ESPN.com
 
"Danny Ainge does not want to see another decline in the franchise like the one that happened after the Boston Celtics' original Big Three dried up, and he's reportedly willing to break up his current star trio to ensure that. The only problem is that he's not seeing any worthwhile deals to make. The Celtics have limped to a 5-8 start behind 34-year-old Paul Pierce, 35-year-old Kevin Garnett and 36-year-old Ray Allen. Ainge, the Celtics' president of basketball operations, told The Boston Globe that he would consider a trade if it would help the team get younger and be poised to be competitive in the next era. Ainge saw the Celtics pass up deals when Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert"
Context put back in place
January 7
Boston Globe
 
"Ray Allen confirmed last night he lobbied for David West to join the Celtics, while saying, contrary to some published reports, he did not criticize West's decision to accept an offer from the Pacers. "Unfortunately, those comments were taken out of context,'' Allen said before an 87-74 loss to the Pacers last night. "I was speaking in generalities, and by any means I don't know what his situation is or was and why he made his decision.'' West passed up a three- or four-year deal worth about $9 million annually with the Celtics to sign a two-year, $20 million contract with Indiana. "I wasn't referring to him going for the money, or whatever his ultimate decision was,'' Allen said. "When it"
Allen is still a sick shooter
January 7
Boston Globe
 
"Anyone who has ever fought their way back to work after battling flu-like symptoms can appreciate what Ray Allen went through to get back on the basketball court for the Celtics. After illness forced him to miss the Celtics' 89-70 romp over the Nets Wednesday, Allen wanted to make sure he was completely comfortable before returning for last night's home game against the Pacers. The only way Allen could be certain of that was by breaking a sweat. "I felt more winded during the day,'' Allen said after his game-high 23 points on 7-for-11 shooting (4 of 5 from the 3-point arc) went for naught in an 87-74 loss. "That's why when I came in during the morning, I made sure that I got that wind by"
Ill Ray Allen uncertain for tonight's game
January 6
Boston Globe
 
"Ray Allen, who missed Wednesday's game with flu-like systems, missed the Celtics' practice yesterday and is questionable for tonight's game against Indiana. "Ray is feeling a lot better,'' coach Doc Rivers said. "We told him to stay away, we don't need anyone else getting sick.'"
Weary Celtics get a lift from tireless Allen
January 3
Boston Globe
 
"The grinding at TD Garden could be heard throughout the region last night. The Celtics were a step slow, turnover prone, and heavy legged after polishing off the Washington Wizards Sunday night in the nation's capital. Their aging bodies were in for a taxing evening in a rematch with the young pups. Unlike many occasions last season, when the Celtics dropped ragged decisions in the second games of back-to-backs, they managed enough strength and execution to stave off Washington's persistent rallies and the catalyst was their oldest player, 36-year-old Ray Allen."
Three in good company
December 23
Boston Herald
 
"If you go by what Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen were thinking back in the summer of 2007, the expiration date of their time together already has passed. But what did they know? They were just kids back then. Now 34, 35 and 36, respectively, they believe there is still game in their old bones. "Originally we talked about maybe a three- or four-year window," Pierce said. "Ray had three years left, so that's how we figured it. We didn't look past guys' contracts at the time because you never know what can happen. "But we also feel like as long as we're together, the window is still open. For however long we're together.""
No worries from Ray Allen
November 29
Boston Herald
 
"The details of the NBA's new collective bargaining deal have yet to be ratified, and some issues still remain. But what is at least known is there will be more restrictions on the higher-spending teams. That means the Celtics will have to thread a marketplace needle as they try to fashion a workable roster around their Big Four. While things won't be as tight as the NBA was proposing as recently as last week, there is still a great unknown in the Celts competing with other teams for the same free agents. Even if their offer is better than or equal to that of another club, president Danny Ainge may still not get his man."
Ray Allen: Calls not just about decertifying
November 5
Boston Herald
 
"On the eve of a critical labor meeting between the union and NBA owners, Ray Allen downplayed the significance of two players-only conference calls this week. The conversations, held outside the control of Players Association leadership, led to reports that those on the calls are unhappy with the way negotiations have been handled and are pushing for union decertification. With executive director Billy Hunter and president Derek Fisher getting almost nowhere in talks with the league — even after offering to shift nearly 5 percent back to the owners in the revenue split — word is strong that those not in the room, many of the stars among them, want to get tougher with the league and are"
Ray Allen's expectations
August 16
Boston Herald
 
"This is, as Ray Allen admits, quite a dead period. The Celtics guard is trying to get a feel for how the NBA lockout should affect his preparation — whether he should kick workouts into high gear, whether he should start getting teammates together for independent workouts at UConn. He doesn't know if the increase in doomsday predictions — the belief that there will not be a 2011-12 season — actually means something. But Allen doesn't believe a lost season would end the Big Three era, even if he and Kevin Garnett have only one year left on their respective contracts. "I don't think so," Allen said yesterday before teeing off in his charity golf tournament at the TPC River Highlands."
Allen does what he sees fit during the lockout
July 11
Boston Globe
 
"Ray Allen actually appears leaner than his regular-season playing weight, as if he has been on one of the Jillian Michaels workout regimens since the Celtics were eliminated by the Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals nearly two months ago. Allen will turn 36 July 20, another milestone for the game's greatest 3-point shooter as he embarks on perhaps his final season with the Celtics. Allen has one more year on his Boston contract, worth $10 million, and then it's possible he will depart for greener pastures and an opportunity for a reserve role for a team that needs one final piece. The lockout can be damaging to players who don't take care of themselves, as we learned in 1998 when"
Allen stunned by death of former teammate Gilliam
July 7
Boston Globe
 
"After spending his early evening discussing a collage of the shoes that he has donned during his illustrious career, Ray Allen expressed shock of hearing of the passing of former Milwaukee Bucks teammate Armen Gilliam, who collapsed last night playing pickup basketball in Pittsburgh. He was 47. Allen and Gilliam played together with the Bucks during Allen's first three NBA seasons: 1996 to 1999. "Man that's tough to hear," Allen said. "It saddens me because I think about him on the cover of 'Sports Illustrated' when he was at UNLV. There's a time where we are all so invincible. Hearing that, yeah that's a tough one.""
Big Three get food for thought
June 23
Boston Globe
 
"It takes a minor miracle to get all three stars together during the offseason, but Doc Rivers broke bread with Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce a couple weeks ago to go over the way last season ended and once again pass along the memo that the championship window is getting smaller. Allen and Garnett are 35, Pierce is 33. The tick-tocks are getting louder. Losing to the Heat in the second round of the playoffs after reassembling the core for one more run was tough to swallow. Perhaps more difficult, Rivers said, than losing to the Lakers in Game 7 of the 2010 Finals."
Allen's assist
June 18
Boston Globe
 
"Celtics guard Ray Allen joined Boston school Superintendent Carol Johnson and Sarah Greenwood School principal Amanda Washington yesterday to unveil a new computer lab at the Dorchester school. In addition to buying 26 computers, a projector, and furniture, Allen's Ray of Hope Foundation helped renovate and repaint the room, put graphics on the walls, and installed rugs to make it look like a basketball court. New England Revolution players, including Shalrie Joseph, Kevin Alston, Chris Tierney and Darrius Barnes, joined aspiring soccer stars yesterday to celebrate the opening of the Salvation Army Kroc Center's new soccer field at its community center in Uphams Corner in Dorchester."
Win hit nerve for Allen
June 17
Boston Globe
 
"As a token of appreciation for giving the Sarah Greenwood elementary school in Dorchester a $30,000 computer lab, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson grabbed a Bruins championship T-shirt and handed it to Ray Allen yesterday. The Celtics guard smiled and pretended he could wear the shirt, even though it was clearly a size too small. Maybe two sizes. But while the city was celebrating the return of the Stanley Cup after 39 years, Allen was thinking about how the Celtics season ended — with a loss to the Heat in the second round of the playoffs. "As much as I was happy for them, there was a bit of anger that I had,'' Allen said. "As an athlete, that's something we always"
Allen: Potential lockout could cost games
June 17
Boston Globe
 
"A number of subjects came up this afternoon as Ray Allen talked to the media after presenting a $30,000 computer lab to the Sarah Greenwood school in Dorchester, from the Bruins' Stanley Cup win to Dallas downing the Heat in the NBA Finals. But Allen expressed serious concern about not just the possibility of a lockout this summer, but the reality that games could be lost because of a work stoppage. He said: We're now in a situation where, at this point once the season ends and the draft comes, there won't be any immediate hurry to solve the situation right now. There does seem like there's going to be some games lost. I hope not, but you prepare for the worst. From a team perspective,"
Allen opts to stay with Celtics
June 8
Boston Globe
 
"Ray Allen yesterday exercised the player option on the two-year, $20 million contract he signed last summer, returning to the Celtics for a fifth season. The decision guarantees that the Big Three will return next season. Allen never gave the organization reason to believe he wouldn't pick up the option, and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge had spoken about next season as if Allen's return was a certainty. But Ainge said yesterday that Allen's return wasn't necessarily an afterthought as the team reconstructs for next season. "I was hopeful that Ray would want to come back and I got the impression in my exit interview with him that he would want to come back, but you never"
Ray Allen exercises option for next year
June 8
Boston Herald
 
"Here's something you need to know: Ray Allen is 35 years old and he turns 36 on July 20. Here's something you need to forget: Ray Allen is 35 years old and he turns 36 on July 20. The fact he decided to pick up the $10 million option for next season should produce a measure of comfort — not concern — among Celtics followers. Though Allen said immediately after the C's were eliminated from the playoffs by Miami that he didn't see himself playing anywhere else, it is still a relief to the club that he wasn't sweet-talked into opting out and making a title run elsewhere. Trust us, teams want him. Ray Allen still has a lot of basketball left in him, and the Celtics need his home games to be"
Ray Allen will be back with Celtics
June 7
ESPN.com
 
"As he suggested he would in the aftermath of Boston's season-ending Game 5 loss to the Miami Heat last month, Ray Allen formally exercised the second year player option in the two-year deal he inked last offseason and will be back with the Celtics next season. Allen inked a two-year, $20 million contract last summer and will earn $10 million next season."
Ray Allen exercises 2011-12 player option
June 7
Boston Globe
 
"Ray Allen exercised the option on the second year of the two-year $20 million contract he signed last summer. From the team's release: The Boston Celtics announced today that guard Ray Allen has exercised his option for the 2011-12 season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed."
Bill Russell, Ray Allen to speak at Obama event
May 18
Boston Globe
 
"The First Hoopster will get a salute tomorrow from two prominent members of the Boston Celtics family, Hall of Fame member Bill Russell and current All-Star Ray Allen, according to a top Democrat briefed on the plans. Both will address the audience tomorrow afternoon when President Obama visits Massachusetts for a fund-raiser at the Cyclorama in Boston, said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to speak in advance of the formal announcement. The president will then attend a smaller event at the Brookline home of advertising executive Jack Connors Jr."
Big Three must C's moment
May 11
Boston Herald
 columnist Ron Borges
"Tonight will be Big Three Lite's truest Celtics moment. Certainly the world championship run three years ago of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett will allow them to live on in the hearts and memories of Celts fans, but, truth be told, they have achieved less than what was anticipated when they first arrived for an assortment of reasons, not all of their own making. Regardless of why they failed to hold a 13-point second-half lead last year in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Lakers, that loss, in some ways, begat what has happened to them since. Big Three Lite seemed to wither and grow old that day, a circumstance that seldom reverses itself in sports. This season its fade has"
Ray Allen stays confident
May 6
Boston Herald
 
"The Celtics, in their current 0-2 predicament, look more than ever like an aging team that's on the last roundup. Ray Allen, however, disagrees. "Every year you have an opportunity," he said after yesterday's practice. "I don't look at it like it's a last hurrah. When I got here in '07, everyone was saying is this your chance, your year, and now it's four years later. Every year after '07 and '08 is the same question, so it's really between me, Kevin (Garnett) and Paul (Pierce). "We feel good about who we are, what we're doing, and just staying true," said Allen. "One day we'll say OK it's over, and that's when we'll talk about it and dissect what we've done, but we're never going to sell"
Three key Celtics beat up but OK
May 4
ESPN.com
 
"Three Boston Celtics starters battled injuries in the Game 2 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, though none appear serious enough to jeopardize their availability for Saturday's Game 3. Captain Paul Pierce suffered a strained left Achilles that forced him to the locker room midway through the first quarter, Ray Allen needed to be taken to the locker room for a spell with a bruised chest after getting elbowed by LeBron James and Rajon Rondo battled through a tight back that wouldn't loosen up for much of the game. "It was a circus going on at the one point," coach Doc Rivers said after the game. "Ray needed to be taken to the locker room [in the second quarter], Paul was coming out"
Pierce and Allen need to fire it up
May 4
Boston Globe
 
"Offensively the Celtics are in a state of confusion, stunning for a team that prides itself on chemistry and cohesion. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce stood helpless at times last night at AmericanAirlines Arena, unable to stop their counterparts or even counter with a basket of their own. If last night's 102-91 loss to the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals were a two-on-two game, it would have been a skunk. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 63 points, Allen and Pierce 20. The veteran Celtics duo was embarrassed; to their credit neither player used injuries during the game as an excuse. It wasn't that they were inefficient, it was more that at times they actually seemed"
A good time for a break
May 4
Boston Globe
 
"It was hard to keep track of the bodies going back and forth from the bench to the locker room. "We had a circus going on at one point,'' said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Paul Pierce had to leave in the first quarter of the Celtics' 102-91 loss to the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals after being kicked in the Achilles'."
Pierce, Allen, and Rondo all dealing with injuries
May 4
Boston Herald
 
"With Paul Pierce and Ray Allen already banged up, the last thing the Celtics needed was a hobbled Rajon Rondo. But in the fourth quarter of last night's 102-91 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Rondo was laid out on the baseline getting stretched by trainer Bryan Doo. Rondo was hampered by a back injury that began bothering him yesterday morning. He wore a wrap around his midsection during the team's morning shootaround, which he said kept his back warm. While Rondo downplayed the use of the wrap, it reappeared during last night's game. "His back was bothering him this morning," coach Doc Rivers said. "It was bothering him through the game. One time he"
Allen sure punched up the offense
April 23
Boston Globe
 
"The last time Ray Allen played at Madison Square Garden, he left the arena with seven stitches and a bandage above his right eye. "It was a bloodbath,'' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said at the time, referring in part to a Jared Jeffries elbow Allen absorbed in the third quarter of that March 21 game. "I thought that was beautiful.'' Game 3 of the Celtics-Knicks playoff series last night was a different kind of bloodbath, and Allen's performance was also beautiful, though the circumstances could not have been more different. Instead of trading punches with the Knicks in a knock-down, drag-out fight, the Celtics inflicted a painful 113-96 loss on the Knicks to take a commanding series lead."
Old dependable
April 19
Boston Herald
 
"Doc Rivers called the play on which Ray Allen hit the 3-pointer that delivered the Celtics a Game 1 victory against the Knicks on Sunday night. But LeBron James called the shot. Two months ago. It was in Los Angeles before the All-Star Game, and Allen was a classically tailored suit among the latest fads and fashions from the Eastern Conference. "There are hierarchies in All-Star games obviously when you get there and see the guys that are playing," Allen said. "There was a situation that happened in the locker room. Doc asked, 'Who would take the last shot if it came down to it?' "Half the room said the guy who was open. And LeBron was like, 'Ray Allen.' You hear that coming from a guy"
Everybody loves Ray
April 18
Boston Herald
 
"Ray Allen received two loud ovations last night. The second came when he walked into the Garden family room a little before 10:30. As he walked down the hallway a short while later, he was surrounded by his home team. Had the Knicks blanketed Allen this well, it's more than likely he wouldn't have gotten the initial shower of love. With 11.6 seconds left, Allen took a pass from Paul Pierce and doused the New York hopes with a 3-point dagger. It completed a 9-for-15, 24-point evening that reminded people that it's not wise to wonder about Father Timeless. "We've ran that play many times in different situations," he said. "Sometimes the shot goes in; sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes Paul has"
Celtics take Game 1 as Ray Allen nails key three-pointer to beat Knicks
April 18
Boston Globe
 
"Mike D'Antoni didn't need game film to remind him. The Celtics snatched regular-season games from his Knicks in the fourth quarter, whether drilling an icy step-back jumper for the winner or going on a 10-0 game-sealing run. If the Knicks cracked, the Celtics would capitalize, and D'Antoni had a short list of the tiny things that would mean the difference in teams' opening-round playoff series."
A bittersweet ending for Redd
April 12
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The day Ray Allen left the scene in Milwaukee was a sad one for nearly everyone involved. It even was that way for the man who eventually replaced him as the franchise's shooting guard and marquee player, Michael Redd. "That was a tough day," Redd recalled of discovering the news in February 2003 that Allen had been traded to Seattle. "But lo and behold, it wound up being one of the best days because it opened the door for me to start my career. "We talk about it until this day, me and Ray. He's gone on to do great things, obviously. But that was a day that kind of shifted everything for me." Now the 31-year-old Redd is facing his own departure from the only pro basketball franchise he has"
Doc Rivers orders rest for Big 4
April 12
Boston Herald
 
"Doc Rivers has spent most of the season talking about the importance of seeding and the ability to have Game 7s on the Garden parquet. But last night the Celtics coach changed his tune, believing it was better to get his regulars physically and mentally prepared for the postseason. Thus, the team's "Big Four" of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo were out of the lineup against the Washington Wizards. Rivers also announced that, while he had no further news on Shaquille O'Neal's right calf strain, he was ruling the big man out of tomorrow night's regular-season finale against the New York Knicks. "He's not playing (tomorrow)," Rivers said. "I can tell you that right now.""
In Ray Allen, struggles clear
April 11
Boston Herald
 
"Though his recent struggles are deeper than simply bad team ball movement, Ray Allen was once again the poster child for a struggling offense. Allen finished with 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting yesterday, but was only 2-for-5 in the first three quarters of the 100-77 loss to the Miami Heat. "We have to do a better job," Doc Rivers said. "I have to do a better job, he has to do a better job being patient, and we have to set picks. I think our pick-setting is horrendous right now. We have one good pick setter on this team, and that's Kevin (Garnett)." Allen was also at a loss for a solution. "They did what they wanted to do, but we've been in this rut over the last 10 or 15 games," he said."
Ray Allen shows signs of shaking slump
April 4
Boston Herald
 
"Though he only took six shots, Ray Allen may be fighting out of a late-season slump that has seen his shot attempts drop. Last night's 13-point, 5-for-6 shooting performance included a fourth-quarter 3-pointer and a return to the efficient offense normally associated with the Celtics guard. "He's going to be huge for us," Kevin Garnett said after the 101-90 win over the Detroit Pistons. "I'm trying to take it on myself to get him some looks. Just know the past couple of games that we haven't had a rhythm, and we have to establish a rhythm. He's going to be huge for us, where we're going." Allen admittedly doesn't feel comfortable in the offense right now, with the most notable difference"
Ray Allen short on shots
April 3
Boston Herald
 
"Ray Allen, recently asked about regaining his rhythm, pointed to the overall need of the offense to get back in synch. But the Celtics guard, whose shot attempts have dropped from a season average of 12.4 per game to 9.1 during the last six starts as Rajon Rondo's attempts have increased, may need to help himself as well. "Ray just has to relax, really," coach Doc Rivers said after Friday night's loss in Atlanta. "I just think Ray, like Rondo was, is struggling right now, and when you struggle you press. Ray is dribbling far more than he ever has. "To me, if it's open, take the shot, and if not move it and see if we can get you another shot. But he'll be fine. I have no concern about Ray"
Ray Allen hits the bloody deck
March 22
Boston Herald
 
"The seven-stitch cut over Ray Allen's right eye, courtesy of a head-first fall to the floor in the second quarter of last night's 96-86 win against New York, was the poster moment for the Celtics' second straight comeback victory from a 15-point deficit. The only question now is whether Allen passes a concussion test, though the Celtics guard said last night he didn't know if he was in line for any exam. "That was probably as bad as it's been," he said. "When I went down I looked at my hand and the blood was pouring out. For 15 minutes I had an excruciating headache. So when I (went to the locker room, trainer) Ed (Lacerte) taped me up. I just sat there and tried to get my wits about me."
Allen aching to see healthy version of team
March 12
Boston Globe
 
"Taking in last night's 89-86 loss to the 76ers, Ray Allen concerned himself less with the 6 minutes 20 seconds when the Celtics' offense fell into a black hole and more with the missing pieces in the lineup and the difference they'll make once they return. The Celtics played their 14th straight game without Shaquille O'Neal (inflamed right Achilles'), fifth straight without Delonte West (sprained right ankle), and fourth straight without Glen Davis (strained left patellar tendon). Injuries have been the theme throughout the season, and the Celtics have had to figure out a way to adapt with bodies moving in and out of the lineup. Allen just wants to see what the team would look like if ever"
Allen dishes out advice
March 7
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Celtics guard Ray Allen had dinner with friend and former Milwaukee teammate Michael Redd Saturday night and talked about the good old days when Redd was breaking into the league as a rookie with the Bucks and Allen was one of the team's veteran stars. "I haven't seen Mike in maybe a year or so," said Allen before Sunday's game against the Bucks at the Bradley Center. "I told him I miss him because I hadn't seen him in awhile and I hadn't been able to talk to him. So we had a chance to sit down and talk about a lot of things that occurred in the past, things we enjoyed. "We had great times and great teammates. We talked about old teammates and great moments, and he's still the same guy"
Pain and gain for Ray Allen
March 5
Boston Herald
 
"Though Doc Rivers joked Thursday about giving Ray Allen the day off to go hit golf balls, the guard actually took the time to rest a sore right knee. Allen admittedly didn't think he would play last night, either, until he showed up at the Garden. All he did was hit his first seven shots on the way to a 27-point performance that included 5-for-8 shooting from downtown in the Celtics' 107-103 win against Golden State. Knee pain notwithstanding, he still got open. "I had a suit on because I thought I was going to be sitting on the bench," he said. "I thought there might be a chance, but I came here as usual ready to play. It's hard to say from one day to the next, 'I'm not going to play"
Celtics players got the message
February 21
Boston Globe
 
"Even during All-Star weekend, the Staples Center crowd sent boos to the Celtics. Ray Allen heard them, if only slightly. Rajon Rondo got a chorus of them. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were showered with them. And that was just during the introductions. When the four clocked in together for the East squad midway through the first quarter of the Western Conference's 148-143 victory, the celebrity-studded crowd rained boos on them and the Celtics' stars didn't expect any other kind of reception."
Jones drains Celtics' fun
February 20
Boston Globe
 
"They never saw James Jones coming. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen tried to turn the 3-point contest into a two-man show — a battle for bragging rights as the best shooter of all time — but when the shots went up last night at Staples Center, the Heat forward knocked them down and walked away with the trophy. After sinking three money balls in the first round and scoring 16 points, Jones drilled four money balls in the final round and finished with a 20, taking the 3-point title back with him to Miami."
Pair of big shots can't charm C's 3's
February 20
Boston Herald
 
"After what was seemingly a Hundred Years War of Words, the conflict was settled. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen debated the issue of which of them is the 3-point king intently, and now we have our answer. James Jones. The two Celtics made the three-man final round in the NBA's long-distance shootout last night, but they were overcome by the Miami marksman's 20-point tour of the court. Pierce went first and had 18, and after Jones raised the bar, Allen came in at 15. So Pierce didn't defend the NBA 3-point shootout title he won last year in Dallas, and Allen, the NBA career leader in treys made, didn't add a bookend to the trophy he won in the 2001 contest when he was with Milwaukee. While"
Pierce, Allen go against type
February 19
Boston Globe
 
"It's as much an insult as a compliment. Paul Pierce, "professional scorer.'' He knows what they mean when they say it. He can get to the basket. He's "crafty.'' He's "deceptive.'' Not the fastest player on the floor. Not the most athletic in the league. His shot isn't the prettiest. But it works. It's the same with Ray Allen, "the greatest 3-point shooter of all time.'' It's an honor, really. But sometimes Allen tries to keep himself from cringing. "I try to be a great all-around player,'' he'll say. What he means is he can still dunk. That there aren't many teams in the league willing to give him a lane to drive through. That there's life for him inside the 3-point line. That for all the"
Ray Allen and Paul Pierce set for long-range showdown
February 19
Boston Herald
 
"The Celtics should work in a waffle house, so many of them have dodged the sticky issue of who is the better 3-point shooter on this team — Ray Allen, the NBA's 3-point record holder; or Paul Pierce, who is the league's defending 3-point shootout champ. Good for Kevin Garnett, then. Yesterday, asked for a prediction on which player will win tonight's 3-point showdown at the Staples Center, the Celtics forward made a choice. Here's a hint — he may be off the Allen family's Christmas list."